Providence getting $150,000 to reduce gun and gang violence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - - The city will receive $150,000 in federal funding from the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program to help reduce gun and gang violence.

By Tatiana Pina

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - - The city will receive $150,000 in federal funding from the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program to help reduce gun and gang violence.

The federal grant will support a partnership led by the Providence Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office, the "Street Workers" from the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, the Rhode Island State Police, and the Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies that will enhance the Providence Police Department's ability to focus on violent gang and initiatives to reduce gun crimes, according to a news release from Sen. Jack Reed's office.

Funding will be used to increase targeted enforcement patrols and identify "impact players" that are driving violence in high-crime neighborhoods. A portion of the funding will also be aimed at gathering and analyzing data on anti-crime and violence programs, and evaluating strategies and best practices.

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice to reduce gun crime by networking existing local programs that target gun violence, and providing those programs with the additional tools necessary to be successful. This year, Providence was one of 16 communities across the country to receive Project Safe Neighborhoods funds.